JD Home Improvements – Drivewayshttp://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk
Professionals in Paving in BristolSun, 18 Mar 2018 16:18:00 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4Bristol Zoo – A Fun, Affordable Family Day Outhttp://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/bristol-zoo-fun-affordable-family-day/
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 22:48:29 +0000http://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/?p=320Bristol zoo is located in the city of Bristol, South West England. It is sited near Clifton Suspension Bridge of Brunel, between Clifton College and Clifton Down. This zoo was opened in 1836. It is considered the oldest provincial zoo in the world. There are many species of mammal in this zoo including Gorillas, red pandas, Asiatic lions, and pygmy hippos. Visitors can enjoy many indoor exhibits including an aquarium, insect house, and reptile house. The Reptile House contains the collection of amphibians and reptiles. The Aquarium that is split into 3 sections contains around 70 species of fish. There are also islands in the lake which serve as a home for gorillas, pelicans, marmosets, and gibbons.

A Wide Variety of Animal Exhibits

At Bristol zoo, the visitors are presented with many animal exhibits. The major attraction at this zoo is the Seal and Penguin Coasts. This exhibit was opened in 1999. The visitor can watch African penguins and South American fur seals both above and below the water. There are 2 pools that contain 660,000 litres of salt water with rocks, waterfalls, waves, and beaches to create the natural habitat. This exhibit is also completed with a large net over the top. In another place, the visitors can see nocturnal animals in the twilight world. The twilight world is divided into 4 zones such as the House (mice and rats), the Desert (mongooses, sand cats), the Rainforest (aye-ayes, slow loris, mouse deer, mouse lemurs, and Cuscuses), and the Cave (naked mole rats, blind cave fish, and scorpions).

Discounted Tickets

The visitors can save up to 29% by buying a ticket online. Buying tickets for Bristol zoo online will allow the visitor to get the option to save during certain periods. For example, between November until December 2017, students can visit this zoo only for £5. Students should come with their student ID to take advantage of this offer. This offer is available for both online tickets and tickets purchased at the gate. Many visitors take advantage of the Zoo’s central location to visit other Bristol attractions, such as the home of Charles Wesley.

]]>Fun and Educative – Best of Both Worlds with Bristol Museum and Art Galleryhttp://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/fun-educative-best-worlds-bristol-museum-art-gallery/
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 22:45:46 +0000http://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/?p=316Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a large museum and art gallery located in Clifton, Bristol. This museum is located approximately 0.5 miles from the city centre. Here you can find many amazing displays, collections, and world-class events and exhibitions. The selected collections in this museum include Bristol’s history, geology, and Eastern art. The art gallery includes a variety of different works from all periods, including many works by globally famous artists. The museum and gallery are open on Tuesday – Sunday at 10am–5pm. The museum is also available from 10am-5pm on bank holidays.

Easy Accessibility

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery are designed with easy access at the forefront of all planning. The main entrance to the building is electronic doors. There is platform lift from the main entrance to the museum. The passenger lift with tactile buttons and spoken floor announcements will bring passengers to all public areas except the Sea Dragons. Some seating can be arranged in many museum areas when needed. The cafe is situated on the ground floor. It offers a range of delicious and fresh food and drinks, including many homemade cakes and sandwiches. The shop supplies a large selection of gifts, for instance toys, jewellery, books, Bristol Blue Glass, postcards, prints from the collection, and much more.

Ancient History in Bristol

Egyptian and Assyrian Galleries in Bristol Museum and Art Gallery are completed with audio descriptions and Discovery Pen devices. The Egyptology gallery holds mummies as well other items. The wall decoration was made more than 3,000 years ago using Assyrian Reliefs. In the natural history gallery, there is an interactive map of local wildlife sites, the examples of aquatic habitats in the south west of England, and a freshwater aquarium contains fish typical of the region. While the Museum and Art Gallery provides visitors with an excellent overview of Bristol’s rich history, Aerospace Bristol offers a more contemporary cultural flavour.

]]>Aerospace Bristol – A Great Family Day Outhttp://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/aerospace-bristol-great-family-day/
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 22:45:30 +0000http://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/?p=318A day out to rival that of the World famous Bristol Zoo, Aerospace Bristol will tell you the amazing story of the world-class aerospace industry in Bristol. It also gives you the possibility to step aboard Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, a British icon. Its latest attraction will take you on an astonishing journey. The ticket price is different depending on the age. Ticket prices range from £15 for adults, £13 for seniors, children over 4 £8 and free for children under 4. The ticket for a family works out considerably cheaper – the ticket is for a family of 4 consisting of 2 adults and 2 children and is priced at £39. The ticket for a family of 3 consisting of 1 adult and 2 children is £26.

A Wide Variety of Attractions

There are many aeronautical items on display at Aerospace in Bristol. The opening hours are from 10am to 4pm, with last entry one hour before closing, or 3pm. The entrance prices are the same for tickets bought online and tickets bought on site at the visitor centre. For the parties of 20 people or more, a group rate will be available.

Free Return Visits

There is a free return visit to Aerospace in Bristol for the individual named on the ticket. Free day return visits do not include peak daytime, certain bank holidays, dates when the museum is closed, and evening events with limited capacity. For a return visit, visitors should bring their used tickets and photo ID. People who try to use a return ticket will be declined at the entrance if they can’t provide acceptable identity. This is also an effective method to prevent ticket sharing.

]]>Visit the Home of Charles Wesley in Bristolhttp://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/visit-home-charles-wesley-bristol/
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 22:40:34 +0000http://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/?p=314Charles Wesley’s House in Bristol is a restored historic building in England, and considered to be one of the main historical attractions in the city. This house is located at 4 Charles Street, Bristol, England. It was the house of Methodist co-founder and hymn author Charles Wesley from 1749 up to 1778, along with his wife Sarah Wesley. This house served as the childhood home for their sons Charles Wesley junior and Samuel Wesley, who were both considered to be musical child prodigies, as well as their daughter Sarah. Both became well-known organists and composers. Unfortunately, there were also other children who died in their infancy. Charles Wesley and Sarah Gwynne were originally from Brecknockshire, but moved to Bristol in 1749. Primarily, Charles spent his time travelling and preaching around the country. He was often away from his home. Sometimes, Sarah accompanied him. Due to ill health, after 1756 he did not make long journeys. However, he still spent plenty time away in London to attend to the needs of the growing Methodist community.

Classic 18th Century Georgian Architecture

Charles Wesley’s House in Bristol gives visitors a view of an 18th-century family home might have looked like. The two attached houses at 4 and 5 Charles Street were built in the Georgian style. The house is built of brick with 3 stories. The front of each house has two sash windows for each floor and stepped voussoirs hanging over the windows. These two Georgian houses are today surrounded by some modern buildings. The visitors can see some rooms and the garden laid out in exactly the same way as they were in the 1700s. The visitors can also see the study where Charles wrote some of his hymns. In St James’ churchyard, there is the grave of Charles Wesley’s children.

The admission to Charles Wesley’s House in Bristol is £5 for each person. If the visitor wants to combine with a tour of The New Room, he/she should pay £8. In this building, the visitor has very limited coach access. Unfortunately, at present there is no dedicated access for disabled people because of several steep steps and stairs. This visit will provide visitors with an excellent insight into the history of Bristol in the same way that a visit to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery does.

]]>What To Do in Historic Bristolhttp://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/what-to-do-in-historic-bristol/
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 21:53:58 +0000http://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/?p=286Just by looking at the pictures posted online about the city, you can already tell that being in Bristol will have you experiencing one of the fun times in your life! The city found in the Southwest of England is definitely a place to visit if you need to tour Europe or you just need to experience a unique experience! The city’s architecture itself plays a huge role in sight-seeing and the numerous scenic sights do not disappoint. We will just look at some of the activities you can engage in but remember that the city is so full of life that this space is not enough to cover it all!

A trip on the ferry

It’s a fact that the Bristol port played a big role in trade and slavery during the emergence of the new world. You can, therefore, expect ferries to take you around the city and get to experience first-hand their waters! Nowadays, in comparison to the past, their ports are only used for trade and tourism although tourism seems to have taken a lead.

Cycling through the city

You might be wondering what we mean when we say cycling! The city is one of the most conducive cities to cycle in in England plus you get to do some site-seeing while you are at it! You can choose different types of cycles as you are not limited to only the standard two wheeler!

A visit to Cabot Tower

Anyone who had been to the city knows that it is not flat. If you want to get a birds view, you can visit the Cabot Tower and get to experience how beautiful and wonderful the city looks up high!

Enjoy a swim

If you are a good swimmer or if you like playing around in the water, you can engage in water sports. It is alleged that Clifton is a way better place to experience some bit of swimming and playing around in the water. Why don’t you find out and confirm if this holds true?

Enjoy continental meals

Anyone who loves food and everything food and visits the city is bound to experience some very good universal meals! The Glass Arcade is an area where you find food stalls that serve a wide range of tantalizing dishes!

Experience their festivals

In the month of June, you get to experience lots of fun in one of the city’s parks! You get to frolick in the mud, listen to some music and enjoy a few drinks while you are there!

Clifton Suspension Bridge

The only way to get the best of Bristol is by planning a trip that lets you get into the culture and engage in what the locals consider the best experiences!

]]>Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery – Internationally Renownedhttp://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/bristol-city-museum-art-gallery-internationally-renowned/
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 21:53:57 +0000http://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/?p=292You simply cannot afford to visit Bristol and not get to experience their museum! If you are into art and culture, this should be the first place you stop the minute you find yourself in the city! You will find the museums almost a km away from the city center at Clifton. The museum itself is run by the city council and does not have any fee making entry completely free. It has the status of designated museum meaning it has been granted by the national government to protect outstanding museums. The designated collections that are protected are the Eastern art, Bristol’s history, geology and the English delftware.

The sections that you will find in the museum are made up of the city’s national history and the local, national as well as international archeology thrown into the mix! At the art gallery, you will notice that the works featured are from all periods and that they include works by very famous artists. Works made in Bristol are also featured and through them, you get an insight into the culture of its people.

All the events that take place at the museum are mostly free with some paid events here and there. You will be treated to multi-week exhibitions, some workshops, and a gallery curator talk. One of their biggest events has to be the one held in February to celebrate the Chinese New Year. At this event, you will be treated to a dancing dragon and some performances that include lions, traditional Chinese dances, the martial arts and storytelling. There is also some in-depth culture through family trails, craft, and art activities. During this weekend, you get to learn a lot about the Chinese and their culture!

The collections found in the museum include the Chinese Glass and the collection done by Max Schiller famously known as the Schiller collection. The collection is predominantly Chinese and was collected by Schillers older brother. At the Egyptology section, you will find mummies, as expected and some other decorative pieces and items that are as old as 3,000 years ago. At the natural history, you will be treated to habitats as those found in the south west parts of England. These habitats are aquatic. There is also a very interactive map that shows local wildlife and their sites as well as an aquarium for freshwater fish found in the region.

The gallery has a huge supporter in the Friends of Bristol Art Gallery organization since the year 1947 and has managed to acquire more than 300 works of art specifically for the gallery. The main aim of the organization is to support the principal sites of the museums and galleries as well as archives found in Bristol.

]]>Bristol Zoo – An Amazing Day Outhttp://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/bristol-zoo-amazing-day/
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 21:53:54 +0000http://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/?p=290The Bristol Zoo commonly known as the Bristol Zoo Gardens is one of the best places to have an amazing experience while in the city of Bristol. The kind of animals they have there together with the history make it a very nice place to visit! If you have never been to a zoo before, you need to prepare yourself for one of the best experiences of your life! There are so many animals ranging from pandas to penguins that have some form of personality you cannot miss!

The Lodge

Before we delve into the animals they have and what is so special about them, perhaps we can first have a look at their lodge. If you want to reside in the zoo while on a visit, the lodge is more than capable of taking care of you! It is a home away from home that is only made better by the access to some wonderful animals! You will find the lodge in one corner of the zoo under 12 acres of simply the most beautiful gardens you have ever seen. The botanical gardens make your experience as a guest even more phenomenal!

You will the most beautiful modernized apartments that offer you a sense of tranquility! We dare say that the combined experience of staying in the lodge and visiting the animals is one of the best you can ever experience in your life! The rooms are safari themed and have double bedrooms. They have also provided you with a living room, a dining room, a terrace that is as private as it can get and an extra room where you can put in a sofa bed!

The Zoo Itself

While at the zoo, you can expect to be treated to some animal exhibits like the penguin and seals exhibit. They are named the Sea and Penguin Coats and is the most common exhibit at the zoo. The seals originate from America while the dolphins come from Africa. As a visitor, you will be able to see them interacting below and above the water.

Other attractions include the Explorer’s Creek where there is a bird house, a water play area and walk through feeding area! At the Gorilla Island, you will find a family of Gorillas from Africa. The Gorillas share the area with some Monkeys and live in peace because they are herbivorous

One of the oldest areas of the Zoo is known as the terrace where lions, pandas, fruit bats, flamingoes, and keas are housed. It is the first place that allows a visitor who visits during daytime to view how the animals behave at night time!

]]>The Clifton Suspension Bridge – An Engineering Marvelhttp://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/clifton-suspension-bridge-engineering-marvel/
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 21:53:52 +0000http://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/?p=288If you are into bridges and have no fear of heights whatsoever, then you need to find yourself at the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol! The bridge is usually open for business from around 10 am to 5 pm in the evening every day of the year! You really have no reason not to experience the bridge if you’re in the city. A lot of activities take place in order to ensure your experience is superb! When you wish to get a free tour with a guide, the best day would be weekends and during holiday time.

One of the things you can do while at the bridge is to have a look at the Visitor Centre. The main aim of the Centre is to give you an insight through exhibitions about how the bridge came about as well as the people who have worked on it! If you have kids, they can be engaged in some very lively children activities!

As we have mentioned before, if you want a free tour, you will most definitely get it! Open up your weekend or holiday time at 3 pm and you will be treated to a tour of the bridge without having to pay a dime! The guides who will take you on your tour are mostly volunteers and can be found wearing orange high-vis jackets. You can be assured of a great tour as they are usually bubbling with excitement over all the things they can show you!

An amazing unforgettable view of the bridge is to be experienced at the Observatory Hill found in Clifton. The adventurous spirited visitors usually come down by zooming back on the Rock Slide! The Clifton Observatory has two areas where you can visit for a small fee. These are the Camera Obscura and the Giant’s Cave.

As you can see, there is never a boring moment when you visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Another great experience is having to experience firsthand the bridge move! Did you know that the Clifton Suspension Bridge actually moves? It’s not alarming as it sounds. A lot of visitors have found the experience as one of a kind! The bridge usually sways gently and if you are observant, you can also see how the hangers vibrate or get to feel how the bridge itself vibrates as cars pass through it!

Anyone into birds is going to be treated to an amazing sight of the Peregrine Falcons! The best point to view them is from the Bristol Ornithological Club that has specifically set up a watch point whose main aim is the protection of the birds as well as teach any visitor all there is to know about them! For further animal attractions, try the internationally renowned Bristol zoo.

]]>A Short History of Bristol – Gateway to the South Westhttp://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/short-history-bristol-gateway-south-west/
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 21:53:09 +0000http://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/?p=280Bristol is the largest city in the South West of England, and one of the most important historically, with a population of approximately 450,000, making it one of the largest urban areas in England. From a global perspective, perhaps the most important thing about Bristol is the role it played in the formation of the ‘new world’ in the Americas and beyond. Some of the most notable expeditions made in history originated from the city with the likes of John Cabot, who was the first European to land in America, a notable example of this.

As a visitor to the city, there are so many attractions for you to enjoy. The city has a very interesting art scene as well as architecture that is captivating, in addition to a thriving nightlife and also several professional sports teams. From the outset, the city has been an important centre of trade which accounts for its importance today. Bristol is associated with many industries including media, aerospace, financial services, information technology which play a major role in the city’s economy.

Art in Bristol

The art scene in Bristol is very engaging. Any visitor or tourist that visits the town gets to be amazed by their historical as well as their current art scene. If you love art, you will be treated to some of the best theaters you can find in England. As a matter of fact, the art scene in Bristol made the city a finalist in one of the events known as European Capital of Culture in 2008. The city was a finalist but eventually lost the title to Liverpool. Notable organizations that support the cities culture include Equity, which has opened a branch in the city as well the residence, a community led by artists.

Bristol’s Amazing Architecture

You will find a lot of buildings in the city ranging from modern to medieval architecture. When grading, the city falls within Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II buildings. This gives you an idea of how in-depth the architecture is in the city and the role it plays in tourism. The city boasts a unique architecture style called Bristol Byzantine that was developed around the 19th century!

All in all, the city is a very interesting place to visit when you are in England and you get to explore many attractions which include their museums, their clubs during the night and their Zoo which is home to some cute and rare animals!

]]>Main Benefits of Block Paved Drviewayshttp://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/main-benefits-block-paved-drvieways/
Tue, 12 Sep 2017 13:12:27 +0000http://www.drivewaysinbristol.co.uk/?p=274Block paving is a very popular type of surfacing for driveways that many homeowners are making use of today that is mostly used in gardens and on driveways to add a little bit of aesthetic value to them. This type of driveway brings a kind of classic and simple appearance and adds so much value without one having to try too hard. Looking great is not the only reasons as to why people make use of block paved driveways in Bristol, there are a number of different reasons as well

So what are the benefits of a Block Paved Driveway?

Block paved driveways are multifunctional

While most paving solutions are usually limited in the way they are used, this is not the case when it comes to block paved driveways. Because they have come in different sizes and designs, have a different set of finishing options, have high endurance, and due to their strength, they can be used in almost any application.

Blocks are None Slip

Block paved driveways come with a surface that is nonslip which is why they have been found to be safe regardless of the purpose that you want to use it for. Not only is it a great place for people to walk on, but they are also very effective when it comes to reducing the chances of skidding of cars which may end up causing serious accidents. Families may also find them to be very useful in that they may also be used in gardens since they give a kind of reassurance that their children are less likely fall and end up harming themselves.

Block Paving is Relatively low maintenance

Once block paved driveways have been installed, there is going to be little work that will be required when it comes to maintaining the block as well as in the extending of its life span. All you need to do is to make sure that it is cleaned at least once a year so that you are able to prevent any signs of wear and tear, regular weeding of edges and between blocks should also be undertaken.

All in all block paved driveways remain an ever popular choice for homeowners in Bristol and throughout the UK looking to improve the appearance of their property with a durable and hard wearing surface for the driveway. Contact the team at JD Home Improvements – Driveways today for more information or a free quotation.